In a bid to bolster ties between the two nations, India and Qatar on Sunday discussed on a range of issues during the bilateral meetings, including rising acts of terrorism across the globe and the threat it poses to international peace and security.
In a joint statement issued after the meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, both the countries expressed strong condemnation of the phenomenon of international terrorism, reiterating their firm resolve to cooperate together to root out this global menace which threatened all nations and societies.
Both leaders noted that the spread of terrorist organisations at the global and regional level, and the significant rise in acts of terrorism directly undermined the international peace and security environment and endangered efforts to ensure sustainable growth and development.
They condemned all acts of violence, terrorism and extremism, which cannot be justified under any circumstances, regardless of their motivation, in all their forms and manifestations. They reaffirmed that terrorism could not and should not be associated with any religion, civilisation or ethnic group.
The two leaders highlighted the need to isolate the sponsors and supporters of terrorism and agreed that urgent action against all such entities, which support terrorism and use it as an instrument of policy, must be taken.
Both sides noted that addressing the menace of global terrorism should be based on a comprehensive approach which should include, but not limited to, countering violent extremism, combating radicalisation and recruitment, disrupting terrorist movements, stopping all sources for financing of terrorism, stopping flow of Foreign Terrorist Fighters, dismantling terrorist infrastructure, and countering terrorist propaganda through the internet.
The two sides discussed ways and means to further promote cooperation in cyber security, including prevention of use of cyber space for terrorism, radicalization and for disturbing social harmony. They welcomed exchanges and dialogue between religious scholars and intellectuals of both the countries and the organization of conferences and seminars to promote values of peace, tolerance, inclusiveness and welfare, inherent in all religions.
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Expressing appreciation of their ongoing bilateral cooperation in the area of security, the two leaders agreed to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism operations, intelligence-sharing, developing best practices and technologies, capacity-building and to strengthen cooperation in law enforcement, anti-money laundering, drug-trafficking and other transnational crimes. The two sides further agreed to take action against illegal transfer of money. Both leaders welcomed the signing of an MOU on cooperation in exchange of intelligence related to money laundering, related crimes and terrorism financing.
Both the leaders highlighted that countering terrorism requires a strong collective action by the global community. They further agreed to strengthen their cooperation in combating terrorism within the relevant multilateral institutions.
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi and Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani witnessed the signing of seven agreements to bolster ties.
The list of MoU's signed between the two nations are MoU for Investment in National Investment and Infrastructure Fund, MoU in Cooperation in Skill Development and Recognition of Qualifications and Agreement on cooperation and mutual assistance in custom matters.
The other agreements include MoU in Cooperation in Tourism, First executive program for MoU in the field of youth and sports, MoU on Cooperation in Field of Health and MoU on Finance Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND) and Qatar Financial Information Unit (QFIU).